How to care for your braces

It is important to take care of your braces during treatment to receive the best results and protect the health of your mouth. This page will teach you how to ease the discomfort of new braces, what foods you should avoid eating with braces, and the importance of mouthguards.

How to care for your braces

How to adjust to braces

It is normal to feel some tenderness after you have been initially fitted with braces. This discomfort typically subsides within a week. In the meantime, to help you adjust, we recommend the following:

  • Over-the-counter pain relief, as required
  • Dental wax to place over any rubbing brackets or poking wires
  • Brace relief gel/Bongela/SM 33 if you experience ulcers or sore spots
  • Eating softer food for the first couple of days while your teeth are tender

Here are some examples of soft foods you can enjoy while your teeth are tender:

  • Smoothies
  • Porridge and scrambled eggs
  • Pancakes and waffles
  • Soups and pasta
  • Yoghurt and soft cheese

Foods to avoid while wearing braces

In order to avoid damaging or loosening your braces, it is best to refrain from eating hard and sticky foods. Some foods - like raw carrots, apples, and corn - can be cut into bite-size pieces so you can enjoy them safely.

Foods to avoid while wearing braces
  • Nuts
  • Popcorn
  • Pork Crackling
  • Hard Biscuits
  • Corn Chips
  • Ice
  • Crusts (pizza, pie)
  • Bubble Gum
  • Sticky Chocolate bars
  • Roll Ups
  • Red Skin/Mints
  • Toffee
  • Avoid chewing on pens, pencils and fingernails too as these can knock the brackets off your teeth.

Mouthguards

If you play a full-contact sport, such as football or hockey, you will need to wear a mouthguard during orthodontic treatment. Custom mouthguards can be made in our practice for an extra fee. It is important to ensure your teeth have the proper protection.

Please note that your mouthguard will need to be remoulded regularly, as your teeth continue to shift during treatment. Bring it with you to each appointment so we can check if a remould is needed. This service is complimentary.

Mouthguards

Your new smile begins with one appointment

Our team of professionals is here to support and care for your smile on every step of your treatment journey. Take the first step by booking an initial consultation at Torque Orthodontics in Mackay.

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Your new smile begins with one appointment